Ronald Koeman is very happy with Everton’s preseason. As the Dutchman sees top Premier League clubs fly around the world, and their players become exhausted even before competitive football begins, Koeman is increasingly happy with the way his own club is doing things.
Speaking to Voetbal International, the Goodison Park boss explained, with added sarcasm: “I think it’s great that those top clubs travel around the world. Last season has shown that some of them were not ready when the competition began. Some English clubs are two weeks away and sometimes even three weeks away. As a player I would have been crazy about it.”
Koeman wants to find any advantage he can, and explained to VI that preseason for him isn’t just about getting players fit, but making sure they know their roles going forward, so there can be no surprises when the season begins.
On Davy Klaassen, Koeman explained the former Ajax player has been informed he could be played in a number of positions: “If we play with a controlling midfielder, Davy must focus on the left or right-half position. And if we operate with an attacking midfielder, he is also eligible for the number 10. One of Davy’s great qualities is getting to the goal, we need to make sure that it comes into play.”
Klaassen is one of several new players at Everton, but if Koeman gets his way, one or two more will be coming in. Voetbal International say the Everton manager wants two attackers, and then quote him as saying: “So far, I am very pleased with the way Everton has strengthened. Within our possibilities we have been able to get everything we needed. If we get one or two quality players, we can go for a place in the top six.”
